Patents by Inventor Gregory J. Wideman
Gregory J. Wideman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20170319405Abstract: A package that contains a wrapper material that defines an interior cavity within which an absorbent article is removably positioned is provided. The wrapper material is formed from a film that includes a polymer composition containing at least one ethylene polymer and at least one nanofiller. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of these components, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the resulting package may generate a relatively low degree of noise when physically deformed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Feng Chen, Michael J. Faulks, Mark M. Mleziva, Gregory J. Wideman
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Patent number: 9718258Abstract: A film that contains a core layer positioned adjacent to an outer layer is provided. The core layer contains a relatively high percentage of thermoplastic biopolymers that are both biodegradable and renewable. Despite being biodegradable and renewable, many biopolymers tend to be relatively stiff in nature. The present inventors have discovered, however, that through selective control over the components in the core and outer layers, a film can be readily formed having good mechanical properties. Among other things, this is accomplished by blending the biopolymer in the core layer with a polyolefin. A polyolefin is also employed in the outer layer. In addition to providing functionality to the film (e.g., heat sealing, printing, etc.), the polyolefin-containing outer layer also helps counteract the stiffness of the biopolymer in the core layer, and helps improve processability, stiffness, and ductility.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Brent M. Thompson
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Publication number: 20160347919Abstract: A multi-layered nanocomposite film for use in packaging is provided. More particularly, the film contains at least one core layer positioned adjacent to at least one outer layer. For example, in one embodiment, the film contains a core layer that is positioned between two outer layers. The core layer(s) and/or outer layer(s) may be formed from a polymer composition that contains an ethylene polymer, nanoclay having an organic surface treatment, and a compatibilizer that includes an olefin component and a polar component.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: James Hongxue Wang, Feng Chen, Gregory J. Wideman, Michael J. Faulks, Mark M. Mleziva
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Publication number: 20160325005Abstract: A thin nanocomposite film for use in an absorbent article (e.g., sanitary napkin) is provided. The film contains a first ethylene polymer having a density of about 0.94 g/cm3 or less, second ethylene polymer having a density of greater than 0.94 g/cm3, and nanoclay having an organic surface treatment. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of the components used to form the film, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the properties of the film can be significantly improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: James Hongxue Wang, Feng Chen, Gregory J. Wideman, Michael J. Faulks, Mark M. Mleziva
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Publication number: 20160325007Abstract: A thin nanocomposite film for use in an absorbent article is provided. The film contains an ethylene polymer, a nanoclay having an organic surface treatment, and a compatibilizer that includes an olefin polymer containing an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of the components used to form the film, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the modulus and tensile strength of the film can be significantly improved without having an adverse impact on its ductility.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Feng Chen, James Hongxue Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Michael J. Faulks, Mark M. Mleziva
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Patent number: 9456931Abstract: A tampon applicator that is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The tampon applicator can be discreetly disposed of in a toilet without the risk of clogging sewer pipes. The tampon applicator includes a molded thermoplastic composition containing at least one partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol a plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive characteristics of the tampon applicator may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the thermoplastic composition from which the applicator is formed, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the composition is formed, and so forth.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Alphonse Carl DeMarco, Austin Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva
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Patent number: 9339580Abstract: A tampon applicator that is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The tampon applicator can be discreetly disposed of in a toilet without the risk of clogging sewer pipes. The tampon applicator includes a molded thermoplastic composition containing a cellulose derivative, a synthetic water-soluble polymer, and a plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive characteristics of the tampon applicator may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the thermoplastic composition from which the applicator is formed, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the composition is formed, and so forth.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Mark M. Mleziva
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Patent number: 9327438Abstract: A method and system for melt processing a thermoplastic composition that contains a starch and plasticizer is provided. The composition is melt blended and extruded through a die to form an extrudate, which is thereafter cooled using a multi-stage system of the present invention that includes at least one water-cooling stage and at least one air-cooling stage. More particularly, the extrudate is initially contacted with water for a certain period time so that it becomes partially cooled and solidified on its surface. After the water-cooling stage(s), the extrudate is also subjected to at least one air-cooling stage in which a stream of air is placed into contact with the extrudate.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, JaeHong Lee
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Patent number: 9320656Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water that can also be injection molded is provided. The composition contains a cellulose derivative, a synthetic water-soluble polymer, and a plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive and moldable attributes of the composition may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the composition, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the composition is formed, and so forth.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Mark M. Mleziva
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Patent number: 9163336Abstract: A method for forming a fiber is provided. The method comprises supplying at least one aromatic polyester to a melt processing device and modifying the aromatic polyester with at least one polyether copolymer within the device to form a thermoplastic composition having a melt flow rate that is greater than the melt flow rate of the aromatic polyester. The polyether copolymer contains a repeating unit (A) having the following formula: wherein, x is an integer from 1 to 250, a the polyether copolymer further containing a repeating unit (B) having the following formula: wherein, n is an integer from 3 to 20; and y is an integer from 1 to 150.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Aimin He, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Alan E. Wright, Gregory J. Wideman
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Publication number: 20150148732Abstract: A tampon applicator that is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The tampon applicator can be discreetly disposed of in a toilet without the risk of clogging sewer pipes. The tampon applicator includes a molded thermoplastic composition containing a cellulose derivative, a synthetic water-soluble polymer, and a plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive characteristics of the tampon applicator may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the thermoplastic composition from which the applicator is formed, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the composition is formed, and so forth.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Mark M. Mleziva
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Publication number: 20150148733Abstract: A tampon applicator that is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The tampon applicator can be discreetly disposed of in a toilet without the risk of clogging sewer pipes. The tampon applicator includes a molded thermoplastic composition containing at least one partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol a plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive characteristics of the tampon applicator may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the thermoplastic composition from which the applicator is formed, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the composition is formed, and so forth.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Alphonse Carl DeMarco, Austin Pickett, Mark M. Mleziva
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Publication number: 20150148461Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water that can also be injection molded is provided. The composition contains a cellulose derivative, a synthetic water-soluble polymer, and a plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive and moldable attributes of the composition may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the composition, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the composition is formed, and so forth.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman, Mark M. Mleziva
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Publication number: 20140315462Abstract: A method for forming a fiber is provided. The method comprises supplying at least one aromatic polyester to a melt processing device and modifying the aromatic polyester with at least one polyether copolymer within the device to form a thermoplastic composition having a melt flow rate that is greater than the melt flow rate of the aromatic polyester. The polyether copolymer contains a repeating unit (A) having the following formula: wherein, x is an integer from 1 to 250, a the polyether copolymer further containing a repeating unit (B) having the following formula: wherein, n is an integer from 3 to 20; and y is an integer from 1 to 150.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Aimin He, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Alan E. Wright, Gregory J. Wideman
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Patent number: 8841386Abstract: A method for forming a fiber is provided. The method comprises supplying at least one aromatic polyester to a melt processing device and modifying the aromatic polyester with at least one polyether copolymer within the device to form a thermoplastic composition having a melt flow rate that is greater than the melt flow rate of the aromatic polyester. The polyether copolymer contains a repeating unit (A) having the following formula: C2H4Ox??(A) wherein, x is an integer from 1 to 250, the polyether copolymer further containing a repeating unit (B) having the following formula: CnH2nOy??(B) wherein, n is an integer from 3 to 20; and y is an integer from 1 to 150.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Aimin He, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Alan E. Wright, Gregory J. Wideman
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Patent number: 8637130Abstract: A molded part that is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polylactic acid, propylene/?-olefin copolymer, and a polyolefin compatibilizer is provided. The propylene/?-olefin copolymer can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the polylactic acid. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the discrete domains can help resist the expansion of the composition during a molding operation, which minimizes the degree of expansion experienced by the composition during molding in comparison to conventional polylactic acid compositions.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman
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Publication number: 20130309932Abstract: A biodegradable, substantially continuous filament is provided. The filament contains a first component formed from at least one high melting polyester and a second component formed from at least one low melting polyester. The low melting point polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed by melt blending a polymer and an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in the formation of substantially continuous filaments.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Aimin He, James H. Wang, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Gregory J. Wideman, Doris Palfery
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Patent number: 8518311Abstract: A biodegradable, substantially continuous filament is provided. The filament contains a first component formed from at least one high melting polyester and a second component formed from at least one low melting polyester. The low melting point polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed by melt blending a polymer and an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in the formation of substantially continuous filaments.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Aimin He, James H. Wang, Vasily A. Topolkaraev, Gregory J. Wideman, Doris Palfery
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Publication number: 20130209715Abstract: A molded part that is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polylactic acid, propylene/?-olefin copolymer, and a polyolefin compatibilizer is provided. The propylene/?-olefin copolymer can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the polylactic acid. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the discrete domains can help resist the expansion of the composition during a molding operation, which minimizes the degree of expansion experienced by the composition during molding in comparison to conventional polylactic acid compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman
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Publication number: 20130154151Abstract: A method for forming a thermoplastic composition that contains a combination of a renewable biopolymer with a polyolefin is provided. The biopolymer and polyolefin are supplied to the extruder at a feed section. The plasticizer is directly injected into the extruder in the form of a liquid so that it forms a thermoplastic biopolymer in situ within the extruder and then a homogeneous blend. The in situ addition of the plasticizer is facilitated by the use of a compatibilizer that has a polar component with an affinity for the biopolymer and a non-polar component with an affinity for the polyolefin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: James H. Wang, Gregory J. Wideman